The Taekwondo belt color ranking system is used to indicate the wearer’s ability and level in the sport.
This grading system has been used as an incentive for the practitioner to advance beyond the ranking of one’s previous belt.
As you progress through the levels, you’ll be rewarded with a new belt color and description.
The concept of taekwondo grading is similar to other martial arts, with various color belts worn by practitioners to indicate their level of skill and expertise.
While rank belts are not just decorative items, the color of a practitioner’s belt can help provide an indication of his or her skill level.
As such, the taekwondo belt system helps practitioners to gauge their progress in the sport.
The colors used in the grading system are numeric and relate to kyu ranks. The first color in the ranking system is White, which signifies that the practitioner is at the basic level of instruction.
As the practitioner gains skill, he or she will receive successive colors representing the level of expertise. Belt colors are categorized depending on the two bodies, WT and ITF.
Therefore, there may be variations when it comes to other taekwondo organizations.
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What Does the Orange Belt Mean in Taekwondo?
The Orange belt is a minor color belt in Taekwondo. As per World Taekwondo (WT), Orange is above the Yellow belt and below the Green belt. Orange is also known to symbolize the sun.
The meaning of Orange reflects the improvement or progress of a student. In addition, Orange represents the initiation of new skills and abilities.
As per ITF, the orange belt is equivalent to a beginner belt in Taekwondo. Some of the techniques learned in this level include; High Punch, High Block, and Middle Block. Moreover, the student is relatively versed in Trap Back Kick.
What level is the orange belt?
Orange is an 8th GUP belt in Taekwondo, and a student here has achieved a natural level of development in the sport.
The orange belt is usually given to students who have practiced with a Yellow belt, as they have started to understand the sport and are eager to continue learning.
The students have learned the basics of Taekwondo and can follow a set of instructions, indicating that a student is on their way to achieving a higher ranking. Orange belts are recognized in both WT and ITF.
What tests are needed for the orange belt in Taekwondo?
To advance to the next belt level in Taekwondo, the student must pass the specified belt test. The test is done every 3- 4 months, and the student must showcase the ability of his or her rank to the instructor.
The test mainly focuses on the techniques learned at the beginner level. The tests involve demonstrating basic techniques and sparring with a partner (Orange to Orange).
For example, Punches, Kicks, Sweeps, Knee Strikes (front and side), Spinning Back Fist, and Low Blocks.
During the test, the student wears the orange belt over his or her taekwondo uniform. On this particular day, the test will be done in front of an instructor and other members of the school.
The student who is orange belt has to pass the following test in order to earn the promotion. He or she has to showcase good;
- Form display
- Board breaking under pressure
- Demonstrate set Kicks, Punches, and Blocks
- Make a combination of Sparring techniques and self-defense techniques in Sparring Techniques, for example, sidekick and block, punch and kick.
How long does it take to get an orange belt?
The time needed to achieve the Orange belt varies between students and schools. If the student has been practicing regularly, it is possible for them to achieve the color within about 1 year.
The good thing about earning this belt quickly is that there are fewer chances of losing one’s position in the ranking system.
Conclusion
Taekwondo is a martial arts sport that primarily revolves around kicking, punching, and body strikes. The belt system allows students to classify their skills and background in the sport.
The color of the belt may often change as one’s ability improves with time, but it is not an easy task to get rank after rank. Some guidelines must be followed to avoid any discouragement.
As such, the Orange belt represents a natural transition in one’s Taekwondo journey. It is usually accompanied by a significant improvement in the student’s skills, which signifies that the student is ready to move forward.
The Orange belt helps to maintain progress and formalize learning, and it also helps with improving confidence.
